When shopping for grandfather clocks, would be shop grandfather clocks consumers have a dizzying array of grandfather clock makers, styles, movement types such as cable-driven vs chain driven vs quartz driven, and before even getting into the grandfather clock brands available such as Howard Miller grandfather clocks, Hermle Grandfather Clock collection, Ridgeway grandfather clocks, and the Museum Clocks&#0153 Grandfather Clock Collection.

At 1-800-4CLOCKS.com, we pride ourselves in providing only high-quality brands and the best grandfather clocks discounts, with the lowest prices grandfather clocks guaranteed.  We focus not only on providing the best grandfather clocks values, but also only carry grandfather clock makers such as Howard Miller, Museum Clocks&#0153, Ridgeway Clocks, Hermle Floor Clocks and Kieninger grandfather clocks.  Sadly, both internet sites and brick and mortar retail clock stores, especially mass merchandisers, are being flooded with cheap imports that are designed explicitly to look like some of the high-end models, but the materials, construction, workmanship and the quality of the movement leave a tremendous amount to be desired.  Frequently major assembly may be required, surprise, and rather than the heirloom quality with a clock lasting 50-100 plus years, as the clocks we typically sell do with proper care and maintenance, the grandfather clock may for practical purposes may be dead on arrival.  We get so many calls from people who have bought these clocks, which frequently have model names by others makers of clocks that we do sell, asking for an owners manual because they do not know how to get it going, or because they cannot figure out the most basic of operations.

We always encourage our grandfather clock shoppers who are always on the lookout for the best discount grandfather clocks, to call us or visit us and ask us about any questions they might have.  We are happy to be a resource for grandfather clock shoppers near and far, and the fact that we offer Free Shipping, Free In-Home Set-up, and No Sales Tax outside of New York, along with the Low Price Guarantee as explained on our website, there is frequently no reason not to ultimately purchase your choice heirloom grandfather clock from 1-800-4CLOCKS.

Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks

Museum Clocks™ Grandfather Clock Collection

Table of

Contents

I. Location for the clock………………….5

II. Unpacking the clock…………………..5

III. Putting the clock into operation………….6

A. Remove the shipping material………..6

B. Unpacking the pendulum……………6

C. Hanging the pendulum……………..6

D. Attaching the weights………………6

E. Setting the moon phase (if applicable) …. 7

IV. The Movement………………………8

A. Shut off………………………….8

B. Night shut off…………………….8

C. Chime selection……………………9

D. Setting the time……………………9

E. Starting the pendulum……………..10

V. Regulation of the clock……………….10

VI. Winding the clock……………………11

A. Chain driven movement……………11

B. Cable driven movement……………11

C. Autowind™ movement…………….12

VII. Disturbances……………………….12

A. Synchronization hour strike…………12

B. Hammer adjustments………………13

C. Volume of chime/strike…………….14

VIII. In case you move……………………14

IX. Care and Maintenance………………..15

IMPORTANT: PLEASE USE COTTON GLOVES WHEN HANDLING BRASS COMPONENTS OF CLOCKS

I. Choosing a location for your clock.

When choosing a location, please consider the following: The clock must have a flat and level surface. Please check this with a box beam level. Avoid placing the clock in direct sunlight. The volume of the chimes is affected by the size of the room, carpeting, drapes, etc. (The volume is louder in an unfurnished room).

II. Unpacking the clock

Please use 2 people to unpack the clock. After unpacking from the carton, place the clock next to the final position.

1) The weights are packed in a separate box, underneath the clock in the clock carton. Be careful when handling the weights as these are extremely heavy. (Remember to use the gloves before handling any brass parts.)

2) The pendulum is packed separately and is attached to the back of the clock cabinet.

3) The tubes (if your clock is equipped with a tubular movement) are packed in a separate box.

4) Winding crank (only needed for cable driven movements) is placed inside the clock carton at the top of the clock. If the clock has a finial, you will also find it in this box. The door key is also in this carton.

5) Make sure that you do not discard any parts accidentally.

6) We suggest that you save the original packing material for future use, in case you move.

III. Putting the clock in operation

A. Removal of the packing material

Open the door or panels located on the upper sides of the clock. This gives you access to the movement and enables you to remove the packing material. Remove the packing material on the gong rods by sliding it down. Cut and remove the rubber band between the movement and the pendulum leader. It will be necessary to run your clock for 3 days so that the packing material will be completely accessible and easily removable.

B. Unpacking the pendulum

Carefully open the box so that you won’t damage the pendulum. Remove the protective film on the bob face before hanging the pendulum onto the leader.

C. Hanging the pendulum

Be careful when hanging the pendulum on the leader. (See figure B) There is a small suspension spring located above the leader that could break if the leader on the pendulum is handled roughly.

D. Attaching the weights

• Chain driven movement

Remove the wire which was used to secure your chains

during shipping. The clock must be in an upright position so that the chains will not fall out of the movement. Your clock is equipped with 3 weights. The heaviest weight always needs to be on the right hand side (while facing the front of the clock). Remember to use cotton gloves when handling any brass parts.

• Cable driven movements It will be necessary to run your clock 3 days prior to removing the packing material between the cable pulleys and the movement. Keep the packing material for future use. Make sure that the heaviest weight is always hung on the right hand side (while facing the clock). See figure A.

• If you have an Autowind™ movement follow the steps listed above in the “Cable Driven Movement.” Also see the Autowind™ section on Page 12. If not, move on to the next bullet point.

E. Setting the moon phase

The moon dial corresponds with the lunar month (29 1/2 days) and not the calendar month. As long as the clock is in permanent operation, the moon dial will operate automatically. If the clock stops, you will have to reset the moon dial.

CAUTION: If you attempt to set the moon disc and it does not move easily, the gears are in the process of making a moon change. Do not set the moon disc during this moon change that occurs every night between 9:00 pm and 3:00 am.

To set the moon dial, rotate the moon disc (in the upper part of the dial) clockwise (right) until the moon face is below the 15 on the dial. Check with your calendar for the date of the last full moon. Using a soft cotton cloth or cotton gloves, rotate the moon disc to the right (clockwise). As you rotate the disc you will hear a clicking sound. One click represents a 24 hour day of the lunar month. Example: If the moon is six days after the full moon you have to move 6 clicks. The setting of the moon dial is your responsibility and is not covered under our warranty.

Moon Dial Back side of dial-Moon disc

IV. The movement

A. Chime Shut off

Every Hermle grandfather clock is equipped with a chime shut off lever. The shut off lever is located on the dial near the 3:00 position. Note: When the movement is in the shut off mode, the two outside weights will not drop.

B. Automatic Night shut off (if equipped)

When activated, the automatic night shut off will shut off the chime and strike from 9:45 pm to 7:00 am. The night silence lever is located below the movement to the right and underneath the dial. See figure C. Please note: top position^night silence on (no chiming), lower position=night silence off (clock is chiming 24 hours). If chime stops in the morning (a.m.) and restarts in the evening (p.m.) please advance the hands 12 hours. Note: When the movement night shut off is activated, the two outside weights will not drop during the shut off period.

C. Chime Selection

Hermle clocks feature different melodies. Some models only have Westminster chime, while others have 3 melodies (Westminster, St. Michael and Whittington).On clocks with 3 melodies, you can select the melody you prefer with the selector lever which is located at the 3:00 position on the dial. See figure D. Make sure that the lever has a fixed position and is not between 2 melodies. Always wait until the clock has finished chiming before changing to a different melody. Failure to follow these instructions may cause movement malfunctions not covered under our warranty.

D. Setting the time

Set the clock to the correct time by turning the minute (longest) hand clockwise or counter clockwise. After you have set the time, the quarter chime may be off. If this happens, the clock will synchronize itself within 1 hr and 45 minutes. Always avoid turning the hour (shortest) hand. If the hour hand is moved out of position, your clock will strike the wrong hour. If this happens, see section VII A.

E. Starting the Pendulum

Move the pendulum to the left or right side of the cabinet (without letting the bob touch the sides of the case) and release. You will hear a tick tock sound. After a few minutes the swinging motion will settle into its rhythmic beat. We recommend that you follow this procedure whenever you wind the clock.

V. Regulating the time

The distance between the pendulum bob and pallet anchor is very important. You can adjust this distance by turning the regulating nut found below the pendulum bob. If you turn the nut to the right, the bob will raise and the time will speed up. If you turn the nut to the left, the bob will lower and the time will slow down. Whenever you make this adjustment, please hold the pendulum with your other hand to avoid any damage on the suspension spring. See figure E.

:

Pendulum Bob

Regulating Nut

Figure E

ATTENTION: One complete turn of the regulating nut in either direction=approximately 1 minute every 24 hours.

VI. Winding the clock

The weights create the energy to operate your clock. In order for your clock to run continuously, you must wind (raise) the weights before the weights rest at the bottom of the cabinet. Follow either option A or B depending on what movement your clock is equipped with.

A. Chain driven movements

1). Hold the free end of the chain firmly and gently pull it straight down. CAUTION: Avoid pulling the chain towards you. This will cause the links of the chain to open. Do not attempt to lift up the weight by hand while winding as this will cause the chain to come off of the chain wheel.

2) Use a slow even motion when raising the weights. Do not jerk the chain or release the weight suddenly as this could break the chain. Gently raise the weights until it is not possible to raise them any higher.

3) If you plan to be away from home for more than a few days, stop the pendulum from swinging until you return. The clock will then need to be restarted as described under section IV. (Don’t forget to set the moon and calendar if equipped.)

B. Cable driven movements

1) While winding the clock do not touch or lift the weights. Also do not allow the weights to swing. If you do not follow these instructions carefully, it may result in overlapped or broken cables which are not covered under our warranty.

If you have an Autowind™ movement, please see the Autowind™ section on winding your movement manually.

2) Insert the winding crank onto each winding arbor and turn slowly until you come to a stop. It is impossible to over wind a cable driven movement.

3) If you plan to be away from home for more than a few days, stop the pendulum from swinging until you return. The clock will then need to be restarted as described under section IV. (Don’t forget to set the moon and calendar if equipped).

4) Store the winding crank in a safe location. C. Autowind™ movement

1) Read the previous steps in this manual for setup and startup instructions.

2) Let your new Autowind™ clock run for 48 hours under normal power of the weights.

DO NOT PLUG your clock into a power source before completing step #3

3) Carefully remove cardboard inserts from around the cables and pulleys.

4) Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.

5) Once connected to an outlet, the clock will start to Autowind™ and do so approximately every 3 days.

Caution: If you feel the need to manually wind your clock, use the enclosed key and wind only until the top of the weights and the pulleys are still visible through the glass.

Warning: Failure to follow these instructions will result in permanent damages and void your warranty.

VII. Disturbances

If the clock stops during setting or winding, start the pendulum again. (See section IV. E) A. Synchronization of the hour strike

If the hour strike and hour hand do not correspond you will need to make this adjustment. Example: The clock shows 4 but it strikes 3 times. Follow these instructions to correct this issue.

1) Do not silence the chimes while making these adjustments.

2) Move the hour hand (shortest) clockwise or counterclockwise, whichever is more convenient, slowly to the hour that has actually struck. Example: If the clock strikes only 3 times, move the hour hand slowly until it points directly to the 3. You will notice that the hour hand turns independently of the minute hand.

3) Then turn the minute hand (longest) counterclockwise, slowly until the proper time setting is reached. Be careful, do not touch the hour hand and misadjust it again.

4) The chime will now synchronize itself automatically. This could take up to 1 hour and 45 minutes.

B. Hammer adjustments

These adjustments are made at the factory; however, if during unpacking or handling the hammer becomes misaligned, they may need to be readjusted. When adjusting the hammers to the gong rods, each hammer should be 2mm from the gong rod. See figure F. Make sure that the hammer hits slightly below the taper of the rod. If an adjustment needs to be made, be sure to make the adjustment by only bending the upper 1/3 of the hammer wire. •

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS INSTRUCTION COULD CAUSE MALFUNCTIONS WHICH ARE NOT COVERED UNDER OUR WARRANTY.

C. Volume of chime/strike

Below are suggestions on how to change the volume of your clock.

1) A clock placed on carpet has a softer sound than one placed on tile or hardwood floors.

2) Placing the clock flat against the wall will cause the chime to be louder.

3) The hammer heads should be approximately 2 mm from the gong rods. The more space you have between the rods and the hammer heads, the less sound you will have. See figure F.

4) The size of a room makes a difference in the volume of the chimes. A clock placed in a hall or foyer will sound louder than the same clock placed in a large room with carpet and drapes.

An aspect about the chimes:

Your clock was primarily made to tell time. It is not a musical instrument. Chime tone will vary from clock to clock according to the wood used to make the sound board and how much moisture is in the wood. The gong rods are automatically tuned and no adjustments are necessary.

VIII. If you move

NOTE: Please use cotton gloves when handling the brass parts.

1) Stop the pendulum from swinging.

2) Wind up clock (do not wind until you read instructions below.)

CAUTION: NEVER WIND THE CLOCK WITHOUT THE WEIGHTS ATTACHED. When arriving at your new location, follow the set up instructions as described at the beginning of the manual.

* Chain driven movement

Wind the weights 1/2 way to the top. Attach a wire through the chain links to secure the chains. Make sure that the chain does not scratch the case during transport. Use the packing material that came with your clock.

• Cable driven movement

Using the packing material which came with your clock, wind up all three weights. See figure A.

3) Remove the weights and place them back in their shipping box.

4) Remove the pendulum and package it back in its shipping box.

IX. Care and Maintenance

Your new Hermle Clock does not require very much maintenance. However, you may wish to follow the suggestions listed below.

A. Wind your clock once a week, unless you own an Autowind™ clock.

B. Polish or wax the wooden components of your clock case just like you would any other fine piece of furniture. Avoid direct sunlight. This could cause the wood to split and the finish to fade. Do not use any type of cleaner, polish, water, etc. to clean the brass parts of your clock. If necessary, clean the brass components with a lint free, dry cloth. Clean glass, as necessary with a glass cleaner.

C. Periodically you need to make sure that your clock is still level. You can make adjustments by turning the leveling feet

located underneath the clock case.

>

D. Periodically check to make sure that your weights are still tightly assembled.

E. Approximately every 3-5 years, it will be necessary to

15

When considering the purchase of a grandfather clock, the single most important criterion for many is that it be an heirloom quality grandfather clock that can be passed along to their children and grandchildren and beyond.  This is not a far fetched goal.  As the author of this blog post sits here, he has a few feet away from him a chiming antique mantel clock that was made in England in the mid-1700s and looks as though it could have been made yesterday.  Even closer is a grandfather clock made by the Waltham Clock and Watch Company, most known for pocket watches but they also made some super high-end quality clocks, made over a hundred years ago and signed on its dial by Tiffany and Company.  This particular clock was special-ordered by none-other than the founder of Coca Cola as a wedding gift for his daughter.  She kept it for her whole life, including keeping it in the lobby of the downtown Atlanta hotel she lived in during the later part of her life.

Even today it is possible to buy grandfather clocks that with proper care and maintenance should last 100 years and possibly much longer.  While we could guarantee it, it would not be a meaningful guarantee for obvious reasons.  The sad reality is that many grandfather clocks sold today may not last more than a few years.  the good news is that all the makers and brands we carry are of the highest quality and construction, and depending upon the type, would fall into the category of the kind of clock that should truly be an heirloom quality grandfather clock that can be passed along through many many generations.

And this is not to say that you still should not seek grandfather clock discounts, and we frequently have many of these grandfather clocks on sale.  Visit one of our 1-800-4CLOCKS store locations and you may even get a better discount.

So who are the makers of these highest quality grandfather clocks?  One is a brand we introduced and will soon be featuring much more prominently on our website and known as Museum Clocks Grandfather Clocks.  Other brands include Howard Miller grandfather clocks, the Ridgeway grandfather clock collection, Hermle grandfather clocks, and Kieninger grandfather clocks. Grandfather clock makers that people still think of today but no longer, at least as we write this, produce grandfather clocks, include Seth Thomas grandfather clocks, Sligh grandfather clocks and Bulova grandfather clocks.  While these grandfather clock collections featured some clocks which were very high quality, for different reasons each of these makers exited the grandfather clocks market.  We would not be at all surprised if one or more of these brands is resurrected in the coming years once again producing grandfather clocks.

Want to know more about the different types of grandfather clock movements and grandfather clocks brands, please let us know.

Should one purchase a new grandfather clock?  What about a so-called used antique grandfather clock.  Antique grandfather clocks are used grandfather clocks, are they not?  Are the floor clocks made in the last 20 or 30 or 50 years as good as the new grandfather clocks made today, by such makers as Howard Miller Clocks, Ridgeway Clocks, and Hermle Clocks.   Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks, Ridgeway Floor Clocks, and Hermle Grandfather Clocks and Grandmother Clocks are among the most popular high-end brands on the market today.  Interestingly, these same grandfather clock makers have each been manufacturing grandfather clocks for nearly a century or more.

So what is an educated grandfather clock shopper looking for the best selection and savings to do?  When considering new vs. used grandfather clocks, we think it is best to compare “apples to apples”, meaning to compare for example a new howard miller grandfather clock to a pre-owned or used howard miller grandfather clock, or a new hermle grandfather clock to a pre-owned hermle grandfather clock.  Given the many thousands of makers of antique grandfather clocks and antique grandmother clocks, trying to compare a new or used howard miller grandfather clock to an antique grandfather clock would require the comparison of a dizzying array of details which would be at best difficult to compare.

So should one seriously consider buying a pre-owned or used grandfather clock, such as a howard miller grandfather clock.  We would suggest the same caution a smart shopper would or should use when considering shopping for a new or pre-owned automobile.  The most basic tenet being sure one knows what one is purchasing, and ideally also getting a “no lemon” guarantee or a guarantee that lasts for a meaningful amount of time.

The risk is that one buys a money pit, and throws good money after bad in trying to get one’s grandfather clock, whether made my howard miller or ridgeway or hermle or kieninger, to run as well as it did when it was new, and to have the longevity that would come with a new grandfather clock.  Also like automobiles, if a grandfather clock is not well cared for, one will end up paying a lot more over time in grandfather clock maintenance and for grandfather clock repairs.

At 1-800-4CLOCKS.com, we have to date resisted the temptation of offering pre-owned or used howard miller grandfather clocks that would also come with a warranty we would offer, as but one example of offering used grandfather clocks.

But as with most things in life, we are keeping our grandfather clock options open.

When shopping for a grandfather clock, most grandfather clocks shoppers look only at brand new floor clocks, recognizing that if they purchase a high quality grandfather clock, such as those made by Howard Miller Clocks and Hermle Clocks and the Ridgeway Clock Company, the grandfather clock will have all of the features they might reasonably want, and there should be immediately be a working grandfather clock which will peform all of its functions, including timekeeping and chiming, with little chance of breakdown for many years.

When one is considering an antique grandfather clock, one has to be both very knowledgeable about not only the authenticity of the grandfather clock, but also its inner workings, functionality, and restoration or maintenance that may be required.  Buying an antique grandfather clock without the benefit of expert input can be compared legitimately to buying a used car when one knows nothing about cars and their inner mechanisms or how to spot signs of previous accidents, changed engines, and more.

While we love antique clocks, and have sold many hundreds if not many thousands of them, a respectable honest clock dealer should be very up-front about all the issues that currently do or soon may accompany the grandfather clock.  There are two big risks.  One is that the antique grandfather clock or antique grandmother clock that you are buying may not be all original, known in the clocks trade as a marriage, and therefore may be relatively worthless as a collectors item.  The second biggest risk is that one may be finding themselves being the proud owner of a grandfather clock project, which may not only be a money pit, but also a time pit as well.

If one goes into purchasing antique grandfather clocks with the right kind of knowledge and eyes wide open, it can be a tremendously rewarding experience.  The same holds true for antique wall clocks, and mantle clocks antique as well.  But no what you are getting yourself into.

The other trade-off to consider between antique grandfather clocks and a new, say, Howard Miller grandfather clock, is that at the same price point, one will get an infinitely more fancy case and wordwork, and many more features such as auto night shut-off, a working moonphase or moondial on the clock, westminster chimes or even triple chimes, and perhaps a lit dial or lit cabinet.  If all of these features existed on a comparable antique grandfather clock, the cost would likely be 10 times as much as the price for the new Howard Miller Clock or Ridgeway Grandfather Clock.  Many antique grandfather clocks and simply time and strike only, with the grandfather clock gonging on each hour for the number of hours representing the time.  One important difference in this regard is that most antique grandfather clocks will have a strike volume that may well be five to ten to twenty plus times higher than modern day cost.  The other factor to consider is resale value, with antique clocks, while requiring much more due diligence and perhaps investment of time and money, they are generally speaking, if one gets a good deal, more likely to be a good financial investment.  This is simply our opinion based on historical observations, and any single case may be different now, and most certainly so in the future.

In the last 24 hours, this writer has talked with 2 different customers who were grandfather clock shopping, looking at new grandfather clocks.  They both had been quite satisfied with the previous grandfather clock brand they had purchased, yet each felt they needed a new clock.

Well, as it turned out, each of these customers had not had their grandfather clocks cleaned or oiled in the 20+ years  that each had owned their respective floor clock. And what about replacing the movement, because the cases were each in fine condition.  As it turned out, each of these customers, coincidentally, wanted to give away their existing grandfather clock to a friend or family member, and themselves upgrade to what each saw as a nicer grandfather clock.

Which leads to the point of this post, which is grandfather clock maintenance.  Any mechanical grandfather clock with any quality movement should be serviced, including a cleaning and oiling, at least once every three to five years. We get many calls from customers, who will frequently tell us that their grandfather clock stopped working after, say, 14 or 18 years.  And they had never had their clock serviced.  After many years, even in the best of circumstances, of nothing else, as the oil dries out in a mechanical movement, aside some additional friction which may be caused by dust and dirt build-up, this can then severely damage the mechanical movement.  Without getting into the technical details, this is why regular grandfather clock maintenance, and maintenance of all mechanical clocks, is so critical to the longevity of the clock.  This is true for mechanical wall clocks, mechanical mantel clocks, brackets clocks, grandmother clocks and more.

The very good news is that with proper maintenance, your mechanical chiming grandfather clock, such as those made by Howard Miller Clocks, Hermle Clock, or Ridgeway Clocks, should give you and your family many generations of pleasure as an heirloom quality object of art to be treasured time and time again.

Floor Clocks are more or less synonymous with grandfather clocks.  Howard Miller Clocks, for many years, as have other major clockmakers, preferred the term floor clocks to grandfather clocks.  If one looks at the catalogs of major makers like Hermle Clocks, Ridgeway Clocks, Howard Miller, and others, Floor Clocks are the preferred term for free-standing clocks.

The basic definition of a grandfather clock or a floor clock or longcase, or tall-case clocks, are standalone weight-driven clocks, which also have a pendulum, frequently with a round brass pendulum bob.  Some grandfather clocks may not have weights if they are spring driven.  Also, the doors to the grandfather clock covering where the pendulum and weights are housed, may have a glass door or a solid opaque wood door.

Grandfather Clocks with one weight are almost always time only.  A grandfather clock or floor clock with two weights are generally time and strike.  A very small percentage of these made in the early 1900s, and in more recent years, may have chimes as well.  In general, most all Floor Clocks or Grandfather Clocks with three weights also have chimes, such as the Westminster Chime, Whittington Chime, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy or Schubert’s Ave Maria Chime.

Depending upon the clock and the chime, it may strike quarterly or hourly.  Mechanical Westminster Chimes almost always chime quarterly, with progressively more of the chime played on each quarter hour, and the full chime played on the hour, and then striking for the number of times to tell the hour it is, such as 8 times for 8 o’clock.

A grandmother clock, which we usually define as one being approximately 8- inches in height or shorter, is also a Flor clock.  Even smaller are Granddaughter Clocks, generally 60 inches or shorter, and last year 1-800-4CLOCKS.com actually introduced a new kind of clock called a Grandson Clock™.  It is important to note that clock experts will not agree on the precise criteria for defining a grandfather clock or grandmother clock etc. in one category vs. another.  With ten experts, expect 15 opinions, at least!

The history of Floor Clocks and Grandfather clocks are essentially identical, being introduced in approximately 1650 in Britain and Western Europe.  The early grandfather clocks in the 1700s and 1800s frequently came in 2 distinct categories, among the many other variations between them, regarding the length of time that the grandfather clock will run on one winding.  Today, as well as throughout grandfather clocks history, 8 Day mechanical movements were the norm for high-end clocks, whether chain-driven or cable-driven floor clocks.  It used to be that many now antique grandfather clocks had 30 hour movements.  These were generally purchased by wealthy individuals for the live in help, so they could have their own grandfather clocks, but were not quite as good, for obvious reasons.  Today, when evaluating an antique grandfather clock, an informed buyer would want to know whether the mechanical floor clock movement was a 30 hour movement or an 8 day movement.

Digital atomic grandfather clocks or floor clocks?  We sure hope we are able to offer one or many styles to customers some time very soon.

Hope this history and the definition of grandfather clocks and the definition of floor clocks was and will continue to be a useful resource.

The writer of this blog post has always been a sucker for a clock with a moonphase dial, sometimes also referred to as moondials, whether moonphase grandfather clocks, moonphase mantel clock or bracket clock, or moonphase wall clock.  And watches too!

With antique clocks, dials with a moonphase were especially prized, and were found most often, when they were found, on grandfather clocks or floor clocks.  The lunar cycle is 29 1/2 days, which is one full revolution of the moondial on the moonphase clock.  When there is a full moon outside, the clock is supposed to show a full moon at the top center of the moonphase dial.  It will take another 29 1/2 days to be in the exact same position again.  In the olden days, these days were actually used by farmers to help to know when to plant crops.  They were also of use for people traversing the oceans, although a movement that would work on a clock with enough reliability was invented later and also had multiple uses for navigation and charting voyages.

In more recent years, moondials are seen on many types of clocks.  They are also on wristwatches too, as well as some antique pocket watches. Many clocks, particular in the relatively lower price ranges, and generally with all chain-driven mechanical grandfather clocks, the moonphase dials are faux dials (the nice, and French, word for fake), and are stationary and do not move.  hey are for decorative purposes only.  Most higher-end cable driven grandfather clocks, particular by makers such as Howard Miller Clocks, Hermle Clocks, and Ridgeway Clocks, have working moonphase moondials on their grandfather clocks.

A working moonphase dial on a new or antique grandfather clock is a great feature, if one can afford a clock in that generally somewhat higher grandfather clocks price range.  Keep an eye out for grandfather clock discounts and individual grandfather clocks for sale that have this feature.  You very likely will not be disappointed, whether a grandfather clocks enthusiast or not.

Howard Miller Stewart Grandfather Clock Model 610-948 with working moonphase dial

Many people growing up over the last couple of hundreds years, particularly in Western Civilization, have grown up with a grandfather clock as almost a member of the family.  If nothing else, the look and sounds that these wondrous timepieces called grandfather clocks remind many of their childhood at home, or perhaps visiting their grandparents or the homes of other friends and loved ones.  Way back when, as is still the case in much of Western Europe, these clocks are and were  more commonly referred to as longcase clocks, or long case clocks, and tallcase clocks, or tall case clocks.

Customers of our who are discount grandfather clocks shoppers will frequently begin their discussions with us by mentioning a grandfather clock that in one form or another grew up with, and they are hoping to recreate that memory, including look, sound, and overall grandfather clock feeling, as much as possible.  Interestingly, people who grew up with chain-driven clocks tend to be drawn to them, at least initially, because of the unusual yet memorable way these grandfather clocks are wound, by pulling down on each of the three chains to bring up each of the three weights.

Chain driven grandfather clocks frequently have a nostalgic appeal, and they also are the least expensive of the different types of grandfather clocks movements.  Partly because the movements are smaller, the grandfather clock manufacturers tend to make these among their smallest models, from a height, width, and depth dimension.

While cable driven grandfather clocks are more expensive, the movement will generally last, based on our opinion and experience, about twice as long as a chain-driven movement.  With proper care, a cable driven movement, we believe, will generally last 25-50 years.  This makes sense when you think about it in that these clocks have much more wear and tear on the clocks mechanisms or clock movements because the chain is sliding through the movement each time the clock is wound.  Cable-driven grandfather clocks can truly be heirloom quality treasures.

A cable driven grandfather clock will not only be larger and generally last much longer with proper care, these clocks also come with more extras or options, including automatic night shut-off, working moon phase dials, triple chimes, lit interiors, and some even have lit dials.  These clocks tend to also have much more heft and weight to them, in cases which can be carved quite intricately.

While the old adage “you get what you pay for” largely applies in this instance, one needs to be an informed grandfather clocks shopper to be an intelligent grandfather clock shopper.

All the mechanical grandfather clocks we sell currently have 8 day movements.

We would suggest the following 3 resources:

1. 1. Look on this page on our website to see if you can find an answer to your question(s): just click on -> http://www.1-800-4clocks.com/page/CLOCKS/ClockFAQ
2. 2. You can locate a Howard Miller Authorized Service Center local to you here -> http://cql.howardmiller.com/HM/ServiceCenterLocator.aspx. NOTE that all mechanical Howard Miller clocks had Hermle movements in them until about 5 years ago, and that most any if not all of these Service Centers should be able to work on any Hermle Clock.  This Service Center Network is a great resource, and we have had an excellent experiences working with Service Centers around the Country (and also Canada) using this Service Center Network.  Probably at least half of these Service Centers can work on antique clocks too, as well as other Brands of Clocks!!!!
3. 3. You can order Hermle (and other) Parts (e.g. movements, weights, pendulum, keys, etc.) from the following 2 suppliers -> www.BlackForestImports.com and www.Merritts.com.  While we have no relationship to them whatsoever, we personally have had good results working with them ourselves.  Their contact information is available on each of the noted  websites.  We would most definitely recommend calling them rather than attempting to order from their websites (which would likely be a fruitless effort).